The African Editors Forum (TAEF) has condemned the intimidation of journalists working for various media houses across the continent.
TAEF says it is appalled at the direct intimidation by Kenyan businessman Jimmy Wanjigi aimed at journalists working for the Nation Media Group. In a tweet on Monday, Wanjigi said he knew the addresses of journalists working at publications that have, in their duty, exposed some of his dirty deals.
“Mr Wanjigi’s acts of intimidation proves the point that governments all over Africa are not the only threats to media freedom,” says Mr Jovial Rantao, the chairperson of the African Editors Forum. “Powerful business interest post the same, if not bigger threat to media freedom.”
The tender baron wrote on his Twitter account @JimmyWanjigi, “The @NationMediaGrp team attacking me finally I’ve all yours (sic) names. @NASA_Ke will rule the country & your families will gnash their teeth.” This account, Nation says, has been used before to post Mr Wanjigi’s reaction to news that he had been banned from visiting Tanzania, among other posts touching on him.
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The editors have called on the Government of Kenya to take action and punish Mr Wanjigi for his direct intimidation of Nation journalists. “TAEF stands in support of the journalists at the Nation Media Group and urges them to stand firm and continue to practice quality and ethical journalism without fear or favour,” said Mr Rantao.
“We further call on the government of Kenya to ensure that the media is protected from all kinds of intimidation, particularly during this period leading to elections.”
In the story, the Nation reported Mr Wanjigi’s links to Mr Raila Odinga’s National Super Alliance and the fact that the businessman was also instrumental in the formation of the alliance between President Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) and DP William Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP) prior to the 2013 elections.
Mr Wanjigi is believed to have fallen out with Jubilee over the standard gauge railway, which he had sought to broker.
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Meanwhile, in South Africa, TAEF is also raised concern over threats at journalists by members of the Black First Land First political party.
“TAEF is happy that there’s been widespread condemnation of the acts by members of this political formation,” it said in a statement. “We call on law enforcement agencies in South Africa to take action in projection of media freedom.”
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